I was born and raised in Houlton on a farm, where family and faith were the foundation of life. My earliest childhood memories are filled with the warmth of home, the laughter of my siblings, and the simple joys of growing up in a close-knit community. I had three siblings—Betty, Larry, and Jean. Jean was the youngest, and I was two years older. One of my earliest memories was when Betty, Larry, and I would go to our cousins, Kay and Marion’s, to stay. When my sister Jean was being born, Larry saw the doctor coming to the farm with his black bag. Not knowing what was happening, Larry believed the doctor had brought Jean in his black bag.
As one of several children, I quickly learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. Our family didn’t have much, but we had each other, and that was enough. My parents instilled in us the values of honesty, perseverance, and kindness. We helped with household chores and supported one another through thick and thin. Looking back, I realize that those early lessons in sacrifice and love became the foundation of my life.
Growing up, the world was changing. I remember the nightly news on the radio during World War II. Gabriel Heater, the news broadcaster, would begin each broadcast with, “There is sad news tonight!” Cars had to cover their headlights at night to avoid detection by the enemy. I also recall when Daddy bought our farm before we had electricity. Eventually, he arranged for our house to be wired, and then all the homes on our road got power. I was in third grade when we got indoor plumbing. Until then, we used a well and a hand pump. We cooked on a wood stove and heated water on it. Life was simpler, but it built character and resilience.
Faith has been a guiding light in my life, but it was not always something I fully understood. I didn’t attend formal church services as a child, but Mamma made sure we had a Christian upbringing. On Sunday mornings, we would gather in the front room, read Scripture, and sing hymns while Mamma played the piano. Later, Jean and her husband, Andrew, took me to a young people’s group at the Methodist Church. Over time, my faith deepened. Life has a way of bringing you to your knees, and during one of my most challenging times, I truly turned to God.
The day I met Jim was a significant moment in my life. As young people in Houlton in 1953, we used to drive around Market Square and park in the lot to socialize. A friend introduced me to Jim there. He enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world on an aircraft carrier for two years. When he returned home, we reconnected, and in 1959, we were married. Our marriage was built on trust, faith, and commitment to each other. We did everything together, and our bond grew stronger with each passing year. For 51 years, we faced life’s joys and challenges as a team. Though we had no children, we cherished our nieces and nephews and poured our love into our extended family. Our 50th wedding anniversary was a special occasion, celebrated with a surprise party at the Vault, arranged by my sister and brother-in-law.
Church was more than just a Sunday obligation; it was a second home. I found a community of believers who lifted me up in prayer, shared in my burdens, and rejoiced in my victories. I was active in United Methodist Women, Ebbett’s Circle, and Charge Conference. I counted offerings with Reita Briggs for 30 years, served as Sunday School treasurer, and participated in many suppers and funeral luncheons. I remember always wearing a hat and white gloves to Sunday services and wearing a corsage on Mother’s Day to honor our mother. My closest friends came from my church family. We walked through life together, supporting one another through seasons of joy and sorrow.
If there is one hymn that has carried me through life, it is Because He Lives. The words remind me of God’s unfailing love and mercy. No matter how difficult life has been at times, His grace has always been sufficient. Whenever I sing or hear it, I am reminded that God’s grace has never failed me, even in my darkest hours.
Life has not always been easy. I have faced loss, disappointments, and moments of deep sorrow. I have had my share of trials, from health issues to the challenges of aging. I cared for Jim during his long illness with kidney failure. Pastor Naomi spent much time with us and was a great comfort. Through every hardship, I have learned to trust in God’s plan. Challenges have strengthened my faith and taught me the power of perseverance.
Throughout my life, I have worked in various roles, each one teaching me valuable lessons. One of my proudest moments was graduating from high school on a Thursday and beginning work at the bank the following Monday. I worked there for 36 years, and the bank changed names four different times. I received many banking awards and was named an Assistant Operations Officer. My nickname at the bank was “Cupie.” Work was not just about earning a living; it was about serving others and making a difference in whatever way I could.
I have always been close with my family, though so many are deceased now. My greatest hope for my family is that they remain close to each other, finding joy in their shared memories and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. If I could leave them with one message, it would be to continue loving and looking out for one another.
Friendship has also been a blessing in my life. Back in the day, Jim and I loved square dancing with friends. It was good, clean fun, and those friendships enriched my life. Unfortunately, many of them are now gone, but the memories remain. One of the most memorable experiences for Jim and me was traveling to California with friends.
Apart from the Bible, I have enjoyed many books in my lifetime. One book that profoundly impacted me was Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. It spoke to my soul, reminding me that no matter our age or circumstances, God has a purpose for us. Although I no longer read books as much as I once did, I still enjoy reading the newspaper and articles online.
When my time on this earth is done, I hope to be remembered as someone that everyone liked. I want my family and friends to know how much they meant to me and how grateful I was for each moment shared with them. I want to be remembered as a person who enjoyed helping others and valued each person without judgment.
As I reflect on my life, I am filled with gratitude—for my family, my faith, my friends, and the experiences that have shaped me. Every moment, whether joyful or challenging, has been part of a greater purpose. And for that, I am deeply thankful.
As one of several children, I quickly learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. Our family didn’t have much, but we had each other, and that was enough. My parents instilled in us the values of honesty, perseverance, and kindness. We helped with household chores and supported one another through thick and thin. Looking back, I realize that those early lessons in sacrifice and love became the foundation of my life.
Growing up, the world was changing. I remember the nightly news on the radio during World War II. Gabriel Heater, the news broadcaster, would begin each broadcast with, “There is sad news tonight!” Cars had to cover their headlights at night to avoid detection by the enemy. I also recall when Daddy bought our farm before we had electricity. Eventually, he arranged for our house to be wired, and then all the homes on our road got power. I was in third grade when we got indoor plumbing. Until then, we used a well and a hand pump. We cooked on a wood stove and heated water on it. Life was simpler, but it built character and resilience.
Faith has been a guiding light in my life, but it was not always something I fully understood. I didn’t attend formal church services as a child, but Mamma made sure we had a Christian upbringing. On Sunday mornings, we would gather in the front room, read Scripture, and sing hymns while Mamma played the piano. Later, Jean and her husband, Andrew, took me to a young people’s group at the Methodist Church. Over time, my faith deepened. Life has a way of bringing you to your knees, and during one of my most challenging times, I truly turned to God.
The day I met Jim was a significant moment in my life. As young people in Houlton in 1953, we used to drive around Market Square and park in the lot to socialize. A friend introduced me to Jim there. He enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world on an aircraft carrier for two years. When he returned home, we reconnected, and in 1959, we were married. Our marriage was built on trust, faith, and commitment to each other. We did everything together, and our bond grew stronger with each passing year. For 51 years, we faced life’s joys and challenges as a team. Though we had no children, we cherished our nieces and nephews and poured our love into our extended family. Our 50th wedding anniversary was a special occasion, celebrated with a surprise party at the Vault, arranged by my sister and brother-in-law.
Church was more than just a Sunday obligation; it was a second home. I found a community of believers who lifted me up in prayer, shared in my burdens, and rejoiced in my victories. I was active in United Methodist Women, Ebbett’s Circle, and Charge Conference. I counted offerings with Reita Briggs for 30 years, served as Sunday School treasurer, and participated in many suppers and funeral luncheons. I remember always wearing a hat and white gloves to Sunday services and wearing a corsage on Mother’s Day to honor our mother. My closest friends came from my church family. We walked through life together, supporting one another through seasons of joy and sorrow.
If there is one hymn that has carried me through life, it is Because He Lives. The words remind me of God’s unfailing love and mercy. No matter how difficult life has been at times, His grace has always been sufficient. Whenever I sing or hear it, I am reminded that God’s grace has never failed me, even in my darkest hours.
Life has not always been easy. I have faced loss, disappointments, and moments of deep sorrow. I have had my share of trials, from health issues to the challenges of aging. I cared for Jim during his long illness with kidney failure. Pastor Naomi spent much time with us and was a great comfort. Through every hardship, I have learned to trust in God’s plan. Challenges have strengthened my faith and taught me the power of perseverance.
Throughout my life, I have worked in various roles, each one teaching me valuable lessons. One of my proudest moments was graduating from high school on a Thursday and beginning work at the bank the following Monday. I worked there for 36 years, and the bank changed names four different times. I received many banking awards and was named an Assistant Operations Officer. My nickname at the bank was “Cupie.” Work was not just about earning a living; it was about serving others and making a difference in whatever way I could.
I have always been close with my family, though so many are deceased now. My greatest hope for my family is that they remain close to each other, finding joy in their shared memories and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs. If I could leave them with one message, it would be to continue loving and looking out for one another.
Friendship has also been a blessing in my life. Back in the day, Jim and I loved square dancing with friends. It was good, clean fun, and those friendships enriched my life. Unfortunately, many of them are now gone, but the memories remain. One of the most memorable experiences for Jim and me was traveling to California with friends.
Apart from the Bible, I have enjoyed many books in my lifetime. One book that profoundly impacted me was Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. It spoke to my soul, reminding me that no matter our age or circumstances, God has a purpose for us. Although I no longer read books as much as I once did, I still enjoy reading the newspaper and articles online.
When my time on this earth is done, I hope to be remembered as someone that everyone liked. I want my family and friends to know how much they meant to me and how grateful I was for each moment shared with them. I want to be remembered as a person who enjoyed helping others and valued each person without judgment.
As I reflect on my life, I am filled with gratitude—for my family, my faith, my friends, and the experiences that have shaped me. Every moment, whether joyful or challenging, has been part of a greater purpose. And for that, I am deeply thankful.
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